- Cook Government allocates $300,000 to extend Housing Families Project for a further two years
- Program assists victim-survivors of family and domestic violence find safe and affordable private rental housing
A program which assists victim-survivors of family and domestic violence to find safe and affordable housing in the private rental market will receive a $300,000 funding boost from the State Government.
Delivered by family and domestic violence service provider, Orana House, the Housing Families Project supports victim-survivors impacted by family and domestic violence to secure a private rental property amid a competitive rental market.
As well as supporting victim-survivors to maintain a tenancy, the program works closely with landlords, real estate agents and property managers to develop policies and procedures to assist tenants and deepen their understanding of family and domestic violence.
Landlords and property managers can register properties to be a part of the scheme.
The program was launched in 2021 through a Commonwealth Government grant via the National Partnership Agreement Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-2027.
The $300,000 boost, allocated as part of the State Government's $72.6 million family and domestic violence prevention package announced in November last year, will extend the program for a further two years.
Safe accommodation initiatives are an action item under the Family and Domestic Violence Taskforce's System Reform Plan, which provides a blueprint to ensure the needs of victim-survivors are prioritised across all services and supports.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"Every person experiencing family and domestic violence has the right to feel safe.
"Safe, affordable and stable housing is critical to victim-survivors' recovery from family and domestic violence and it would not be possible without the dedication of community sector organisations such as Orana House.
"I'd encourage any landlords and property managers interested in getting involved in this program to register their interest with Orana."
As stated by Maylands MLA Lisa Baker:
"Orana House is an organisation based in my electorate that is doing a fabulous job with a range of different programs and services including a women's refuge, transition housing and wraparound support services.
"I'm delighted to see Orana's Housing Families be extended a further two years."
